'97 FXSTC is slow to start ???
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Joined: Jul 2006
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'97 FXSTC is slow to start ???
My '97 Softail custom is slow to start and I don't know why so I'm asking for your help. The bike is basically stock with stage 1; K&N filter, main/170, pilot/48, with V&H straight shots.
When it finally starts it warms up normally and once warm runs great!
When I first go to start it, I twist the throttle 2 or 3 times, pull out enricher and push the start button. It just turns over but doesn't even try to start. So I stop for a few moments and give it more juice and try again. After the third time it finally starts.
I recently installed new fuel tank grommets, throttle cables and grips. I don't know anything I could have done to cause this. What am I missing here? I have recently installed a new battery and I put fresh fuel in it (100% gasoline) after I got the tanks back on.
Have any of you experienced this problem? Do you have any ideas as to what might be causing this? TIA for your help.
When it finally starts it warms up normally and once warm runs great!
When I first go to start it, I twist the throttle 2 or 3 times, pull out enricher and push the start button. It just turns over but doesn't even try to start. So I stop for a few moments and give it more juice and try again. After the third time it finally starts.
I recently installed new fuel tank grommets, throttle cables and grips. I don't know anything I could have done to cause this. What am I missing here? I have recently installed a new battery and I put fresh fuel in it (100% gasoline) after I got the tanks back on.
Have any of you experienced this problem? Do you have any ideas as to what might be causing this? TIA for your help.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Ohio
The 48 should start it fine, would head towards a intake seal leaking and running lean, I like to use brake clean to check for sucking air while running, you can spray it on the intake to head mounts and if it starts running like crap, the seals are leaking.
Next thing that one of our favorite Evo members battled was a bad vacume opening petcock that can cause this problem also. If the diapram has a hole in it, gas is restricted to the carb at start up when vacume is low
Next thing that one of our favorite Evo members battled was a bad vacume opening petcock that can cause this problem also. If the diapram has a hole in it, gas is restricted to the carb at start up when vacume is low
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,123
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From: NJ
You need fuel - fire -compression to start and run...
What do your plugs look like and how old are they. When you go to start with your normal routine and it fails, pull one -(or both) and see if they are wet with fuel. Are the plugs black/sooty, is the gap correct? Eliminate the easy stuff first...
Ds
What do your plugs look like and how old are they. When you go to start with your normal routine and it fails, pull one -(or both) and see if they are wet with fuel. Are the plugs black/sooty, is the gap correct? Eliminate the easy stuff first...
Ds
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Joined: May 2009
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Hey Ez, I have a 97 Flstc with the same jets as you. Mine fires up with no twist of the grip . I just turn on the gas pull the enricher and hit the button, if I give her any gas before start, she floods . I realize they are all different, just throwing that out there .
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Fairbanks
Like Reservoir Dog, i don't need to twist throttle. Just pull enrichener, push starter button, lock throttle on high idle, push enrichener back in till the head is warm. Took a while to realize that process but it works from 85 degrees down to 19 back in October.
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I took suggestions and came up with this. I turn on the gas, pull choke and twist the throttle 2 half turns. I did this today and it fired right up.
I'll try this again tomorrow and see if it works again. If it does, I believe that is the right combination. My last three bikes were TC's and I just wanted an Evo this time and I've always wanted a Softail Custom.
I guess I was flooding it before. I don't know why I thought it needed so much fuel. Thanks for the advice
I'll try this again tomorrow and see if it works again. If it does, I believe that is the right combination. My last three bikes were TC's and I just wanted an Evo this time and I've always wanted a Softail Custom.
I guess I was flooding it before. I don't know why I thought it needed so much fuel. Thanks for the advice
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Road Master
Joined: May 2009
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From: Powder Springs, GA
One thing to also keep in mind if your petcock is stock it will only start pulling fuel until you get vacuum. So if the bike has been sitting for a long time and if the carb bowl is emtpy twisting the throttle does nothing until you start turning the motor over. However it sounds like you got the problem squared away. I actually had a vacuum leak for my petcock so I bypassed it completely. Now when I turn on my fuel it will fill up my carb just like old bikes would. Nice to get rid of that vacuum crap. Nice bike as well. I thought I was the only one in GA to sell a TC and get a 97 EVO FXSTC.
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